Rel8 Academy Program

Rel8 Academy Program – Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: January 2025

1. Program Overview

The Rel8 Academy Program ("the Program") is a 6-month AWS certification initiative offered by Rel8 CX Ltd ("Rel8", "we", "us"). It is designed to support high-potential university students pursuing Computer Science, IT, or Software Engineering degrees by sponsoring their full AWS certification pathway from Foundational to Specialist level.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To participate, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in any year of a recognized Computer Science, IT, or Software Engineering program
• Demonstrate strong interest in AI, automation, or cloud services
• Commit at least 10 hours per week to study and certification activities
• Be legally permitted to work or study in the United Kingdom

2.1 Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on the personal statement provided in the "Why do you want to join" section of the application form. Each application is assessed against five criteria, scored from 0 (poor) to 4 (excellent):

1. Motivation (0-4 points): Clarity of why you want to join the program and what outcomes you seek to achieve
2. Specificity (0-4 points): Concrete goals, mention of specific AWS areas or certifications, rather than vague enthusiasm
3. Commitment (0-4 points): Evidence of time discipline, persistence, or examples of completing challenging goals
4. Relevance (0-4 points): Alignment of your interests with AI, automation, or cloud services
5. Professional Tone & Clarity (0-4 points): Coherent, focused writing that is free of filler or excessive buzzwords

Selection Outcomes (Total Score out of 20):

• 16-20 points: Application advances to interview stage
• 12-15 points: Application under review — may be contacted for additional information
• 0-11 points: Application not successful at this time

3. Program Duration and Structure

The Program runs for 6 months from the start date stated in the acceptance letter. Participants must complete all certification stages within 6 months:

• Foundational: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified AI Practitioner
• Associate: AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate OR AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
• Professional: AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Professional
• Attend mentoring sessions and complete assigned training activities
• Maintain consistent progress and communication with mentors

4. Sponsorship Coverage

Rel8 will cover:

• All AWS certification exam fees (Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialist)
• Access to approved learning resources and study materials
• A Rel8 company email and AWS Builder ID

5. Training Agreement

All accepted participants must sign a separate Training Agreement, outlining:

• Certification milestones and timelines
• Minimum study time commitment (10 hours per week)
• Conduct, confidentiality, and intellectual property obligations
• Termination and withdrawal procedures

6. LinkedIn Branding Clause

As part of the program, participants agree to:

• List Rel8 as their employer on their LinkedIn profile for the entire duration of the program
• Add "Rel8 Academy – AWS Training Program" to their LinkedIn profile (Education or Certifications section)
• Maintain the employer listing as long as they are part of the program (including during part-time employment)
• Maintain the Academy program listing for at least 12 months after program completion
• Optionally tag Rel8 in public certification announcements

This clause recognizes Rel8's sponsorship, validates professional experience, and supports future cohorts.

7. AWS Builder Account

Participants will receive a Rel8-issued company email (e.g., firstname.lastname@rel8.cloud) and AWS Builder ID.

They agree to:

• Use the account only for training and related activities
• Maintain it for 12 months post-completion
• Comply with the AWS Acceptable Use Policy
• Return access credentials upon request or program termination

8. Mentorship and Support

Rel8 will provide:

• Access to AWS-certified mentors
• Technical and career guidance
• Study materials, group sessions, and community channels

9. Employment Considerations

Employment Structure:

• Part-Time After Certification: Participants who successfully complete the program and gain their AWS certifications may be offered part-time paid roles with a minimum of 15 hours per week, based on performance and company needs
• Full-Time After Graduation: High-performing participants may transition to full-time employment after completing their university degree
• Maximum Tenure: Full-time employment is capped at a maximum of 2 years to ensure participants gain diverse career experience and growth opportunities beyond Rel8
• All employment offers will be made under separate employment contracts with clearly defined terms
• Completion of the Program does not guarantee employment — offers are based on performance, business needs, and mutual fit

10. Intellectual Property

All work or materials created using Rel8 systems, data, or resources remain the intellectual property of Rel8 CX Ltd.

Personal notes, skills, and certifications remain the property of the participant.

11. Confidentiality

Participants may access confidential information belonging to Rel8 or its clients. They must:

• Keep all such information strictly confidential
• Not disclose or use it outside the Program
• Return or destroy materials upon request or completion

This obligation continues after the Program ends.

12. Professional Conduct

Participants must:

• Maintain professionalism and respect towards others
• Follow Rel8's Code of Conduct
• Avoid plagiarism, dishonesty, or misuse of company systems
• Refrain from any actions that could damage Rel8's reputation

13. Withdrawal or Termination

13.1 Withdrawal

Participants may withdraw from the program by providing written notice to Rel8.

• Withdrawal for medical or compassionate grounds will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Upon withdrawal, access to Rel8 systems, accounts, and resources will be revoked
• Participants who withdraw remain bound by confidentiality obligations

13.2 Termination

Rel8 may terminate participation for:

• Failure to meet certification deadlines or minimum study standards
• Breach of confidentiality or conduct policies
• Misuse of company accounts, systems, or violation of AWS policies
• Failure to maintain professional conduct standards

Termination results in immediate revocation of access to all Rel8 systems and resources.

14. Data Protection and Privacy

Rel8 processes participant data in line with the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

Data collected includes personal contact info, education background, progress, and certification records.

Participants may request access or correction of data by contacting academy@rel8.cloud.

15. Limitation of Liability

Rel8 provides the Program "as is" and makes no guarantees of certification success or employment outcomes.

Liability for any claim is limited to the total value of certification fees paid by Rel8 on behalf of the participant.

16. Changes to Terms

Rel8 may amend these Terms & Conditions. Participants will be notified of material updates by email, and continued participation constitutes acceptance.

17. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Both parties agree to attempt informal resolution before pursuing legal action in court.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Training Agreement and Privacy Policy, form the entire understanding between the participant and Rel8 regarding the Academy Program.

19. Contact Information

Rel8 CX Ltd
124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
📧 academy@rel8.cloud